Bear Mountain vs Palisades Tahoe

Bear Mountain (California) and Palisades Tahoe (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatBear MountainPalisades Tahoe
Vertical drop1,650 ft (503 m)2,539 ft (774 m)
Summit elevation8,793 ft8,740 ft
Base elevation7,142 ft6,201 ft
Lifts1131
Runs26109
Beginner terrain27%14%
Intermediate terrain46%42%
Expert terrain27%44%
Night skiingNoNo

Palisades Tahoe has the bigger vertical (2,539 ft vs 1,650 ft); Palisades Tahoe has more runs (109 vs 26); Palisades Tahoe skews more expert (44% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Bear MountainIkon Pass: unlimited days
Palisades TahoeIkon Pass: unlimited days

One pass covers both: Ikon Pass. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Bear Mountain

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Bear Mountain

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More detail: Bear Mountain stats · Palisades Tahoe stats